Thursday, September 21, 2006
One night in Bangkok - Phil Collins
In one night, the PM was ousted and the army has taken over control of Thailand.
I followed the news (belatedly, now that i dun have internet connection in me room... heck, i dun even have a room to call me own!!!) with some concern.
Sure, many Thais are glad that Thaksin is out. Even the King of the land has given his blessings to Sonthi.
But - correct me if i'm wrong - weren't the elections scheduled to be held in October or November this year?
As a lawyer and a student of human rights (hopefully an activist, soon), i am concern over the hijacking of democracy in that one fateful night in Bangkok.
Ideally, if the people were not happy with the government - and/or the PM -, they should voice it thru the next election. Ousting him by force does not reflect democracy.
What is causing greater concern is that while Thaksin was allegedly ousted for his corrupt practices, Sonthi has announced that the next elections will only be held next year and that the new constitution will be ready also by that time. So in the meantime, there will not be a democratically elected government running the country? Worst of all, there is no constitution????? What is wrong with the previous one? (the last question is asked out of ignorance. Can anybody enlighten me?)
It worries me - but then again, i am a worrier.
At least that fateful nite in Bangkok was also a bloodless nite. Let's hope and pray that it remains that way.
I followed the news (belatedly, now that i dun have internet connection in me room... heck, i dun even have a room to call me own!!!) with some concern.
Sure, many Thais are glad that Thaksin is out. Even the King of the land has given his blessings to Sonthi.
But - correct me if i'm wrong - weren't the elections scheduled to be held in October or November this year?
As a lawyer and a student of human rights (hopefully an activist, soon), i am concern over the hijacking of democracy in that one fateful night in Bangkok.
Ideally, if the people were not happy with the government - and/or the PM -, they should voice it thru the next election. Ousting him by force does not reflect democracy.
What is causing greater concern is that while Thaksin was allegedly ousted for his corrupt practices, Sonthi has announced that the next elections will only be held next year and that the new constitution will be ready also by that time. So in the meantime, there will not be a democratically elected government running the country? Worst of all, there is no constitution????? What is wrong with the previous one? (the last question is asked out of ignorance. Can anybody enlighten me?)
It worries me - but then again, i am a worrier.
At least that fateful nite in Bangkok was also a bloodless nite. Let's hope and pray that it remains that way.
# posted by imissw : 3:01:00 am
